Probably no spark since you have fuel.  Test for spark while cranking.  You
can use an old plug resting on the engine somewhere for ground, or be
sophisticated and get one of these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=teydRVfEcX8  I've found tools like this to be
very useful, and after being zapped a few too many times by 40,000 to
100,000 volts I've learned its value.

Heat soaked coils can cause this (BTDT, I once could not restart after a
bridge opening and the cop that pushed me off blamed me for the backup when
it was really the bridge!!) as can high resistance corroded connections or a
heat sensitive ECU (not likely though, they either work or they don't).

Look at it as a challenge, and you can outsmart these gremlins.  Just follow
logical trouble shooting procedures:  do the simplest and cheapest things
first!

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
JRodgers
Sent: Tuesday, June 03, 2014 3:07 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 88 GL - manual tranny - fail to start

Yargh! Here we go again - me and my vans.

Ok. The situation. Very hot day. Parked in the Wally world parking lot and
went inside. Came back out, key in the ignition, ignition on - check idiot
lights,  listen for fuel pump to pressurize the fuel system, key to start
position.........

Grind, Grind, Grind......Nothing!

Key off. Wait a few -- then re-cycle.......Grind, Grind, Grind.

Tried a third time - same-o, same-o! Grind, Grind, Grind.

Key, off - then back to "On". Race to the rear, pop the hatch, open engine
bay, crack the bolt on the fuel "T" on to p of the engine. Lot's of fuel.
Tightened the bolt. Turned off ignition, Closed it all up, looked for loose
wires. Nada!

Being by myself, I could not very well turn the engine to check for spark at
plugs nor coil.

Let it sit for an hour while I went and had a Subway Sandwich for lunch.
Then back at it.

Key in, turn on, lights and pump, key to ignition ---------

Fired right up. Drove home.

Question: how the devil do you hunt for something as intermittent as that.

Thanks,

John